Anger Management

Working in health care is demanding but rewarding. The pressures of high standards of patient care, productivity, limited resources, and different multidisciplinary approaches in the health care setting can lead to frustrations and anger. Anger is a common, normal, and valid emotion. However how we behave and treat others when we are angry can impact our relationships, our work environment, and the care we provide to patients. If you (or someone close to you) find yourself impatient and irritable with colleagues, patients or students you may well have a problem with anger management Explosive outbursts, yelling, screaming, behaving unprofessionally or disruptively can compromise standards of care. Anger can increase risk for patients and colleagues and may lead to malpractice claims. Condescension, verbal aggression, criticism, contempt, and sarcasm can be subtler forms of anger that will also damage relationships.

Take this quick true/false ANGER quiz:

I am often irritable and cranky

I am on guard to keep others from taking advantage of me

I have angry outbursts

I can make degrading comments or insult people

I often feel stressed and pressured, or in a rush

I often feel unfairly treated or disrespected

I think a lot about how to retaliate when I have been criticized

People avoid me at work or at home

Sometimes I have been so angry I have wanted to hit someone, or have actually hit someone

I feel like I am always fighting with my partner, family members, or someone at work

When someone cuts me off in traffic, I am enraged

People in my life sometimes seem afraid of me

If you answered true to three or more statements, you may benefit from talking to someone about learning to manage your anger. If your anger or violence is directed only at your spouse/partner, this may be a sign of an abusive relationship.

There are many resources to help manage the anger, both on campus and off campus. Please reach out to speak with someone about your concerns.